Orlando Pirates have announced that assistant coach Benson Mhlongo has left the club to act as head coach of NFD newcomers TS Sporting.

The former Pirates midfielder has looked to cut his teeth at the Soweto giants, having spent the past two years at Mayfair, and has had the opportunity to learn from three different head coaches, while also having a stint in charge of the reserve team.

Pirates have released a statement wishing Mhlongo well, which reads: ‘Benson Mhlongo has received the chairman Dr Irvin Khoza’s blessings to leave the club and pursue his dream of becoming a head coach.

‘After spending two seasons as assistant coach at the club, the 37-year-old is now ready to make the jump to assume a head coaching role at newly promoted National First Division outfit TS Sporting.

‘Dr Khoza granted Mhlongo’s wish to leave the club following a meeting with chairman of TS Sporting Slungu Thobela earlier this week.

‘Mhlongo leaves the club having amassed a wealth of knowledge where he was exposed to three different head coaches at the club, including a stint as head coach of the Orlando Pirates MultiChoice Diski Challenge team.

‘On behalf of the Orlando Pirates family, we would like to wish Benson the best of luck in his future endeavours.’